Heritage Protection
Cultural Heritage Sites, Protection and Management
Cultural heritage sites, also known as ‘sacred sites’, are places of significance to Aboriginal people for a range of reasons.
For the Western Desert people of the Central Desert region, these places may be important because of their religious significance, these sites are referred to as Tjukurrpa places or dreaming sites. They are associated with the travelling ancestor beings of the Tjukurrpa, or dreamtime. Other places may be of significance because they include burial sites or places where ceremonies are conducted or have taken place.
The native title holders, and native title claimants, represented by Central Desert are those Western Desert peoples recognised as having the authority and responsibility to speak about their country and associated cultural heritage sites.
One of the contemporary expressions of this authority and responsibility is the practice of making agreements, with other land users, to facilitate heritage surveys that ensure the protection of cultural heritage sites and areas of cultural significance.
The nature of these agreements varies with the type of activity, land tenure and the native title status.
Please refer to the Land Access and Future Acts section and individual claim and determination areas for more information on agreements.